UDF censure Chakwera: ‘Resist temptations of personal attacks’
United Democratic Front (UDF) has reacted to statements made by Malawi Congress Party (MCP) leader, Rev Dr.Lazarous Chakwera during the party fundraising dinner at Mount Soche Hotel against rival presidential candidates.
In his speech, Chakwera attacked the current Joyce Banda administration for rampant corruption and its cashgate scandal and also took a dig UDF and DPP for dynastical succession of leadership.
“I am not the leader of MCP and its Presidential candidate because I am the son or brother to any former president. I have joined the political struggle because politics is becoming a tool to oppress the poor and a vehicle of siphoning public resources,” he said.
But UDF said it was saddened that instead of focusing on what the MCP will do if voted into government, Chakwera went to town making insinuations attacking fellow candidates for the forthcoming tripartite elections.
“Malawians are faced with many challenges and as we approach the elections in 2014, leaders need to provide solutions to our country’s quest for economic, social and political transformation,” UDF publicity secretary Ken Ndanga told Nyasa Times.
Ndanga said Chakwera’s speech at the “Tambala Night” fundraiser against rival presidential candidates goes against that spirit.
“As we draw closer to the Election Day, it is expected that pressures may ratchet and tensions may run high, however we must resist the temptations of going personal and personal attacks,” said Ndanga.
The UDF party said it believes in issue based politics and welcomes debate on policy issues and not petty personal attacks on its leadership.
Ndanga said it is not a crime for relations of former presidents to aspire for the leadership of the country.
UDF said its president Atupele Muluzi, son of former president Bakili Muluzi who ruled Malawi from 1994 to 2004, was dully elected at the party convention and is a legitimate torchbearer of the party in the presidential race for May 20, 2014.
“Let us not make this campaign about negative attacks. Let us make it about our own visions for the future of Malawi and resolving the many challenges facing our Nation.Let us make this an issue based campaign,” UDF spokesman urged.
